HIV Test Types: What are the common Ones?

Last Updated on 02/18/2026 by Helal Medical

There are different types of HIV Tests, each type is looking for a different marker. Antibody tests look for the presence of antibodies in the blood of the person. While antigen tests, looks for a specific HIV antigen. RNA test looks for the genetic material of the virus.

In this article, we will explore the main HIV test types including antibody test, antigen tests and RNA tests. We will also cover their window periods. You may want to read our cornerstone article (Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Top HIV FAQs).

What are the Main Types of HIV Tests

There are three test types: antibody, antigen and RNA tests. After exposure to infection, the virus cannot be detected directly during the first few days. Our body needs several days for HIV markers to appear in the blood or saliva. This period is called the window period. We will explain below the test types and their window periods.

1- HIV Antibody Test

HIV Antibody Test is the most commonly used of all HIV Tests, because it is the most affordable and also available in all laboratories. For an accurate result with the HIV Antibody Test, you need to undergo testing after 90 days from exposure. This is referred to as the window period of the HIV Antibody test. That is why Antibody test is not recommended, while Combo test is a better option.

There are several generations, the most recent of which is the third generation. Even it is available and cheap, but takes up to 90 days to detect accurately the infection. There is a new test called 4th generation. It is a combination of Antibodies and Antigen p24 detection. $th generation test can detect the infection earlier.

2- HIV Antigen Test

This test can detect the presence of P24 ( an HIV antigen) as early as 16 days. But to get accurate result, you need to to do the test after 28 days from exposure (window period of HIV Antigen test). A combination of Antigen with Antibodies, that called COMBO Test, can give more accurate results. COMBO test now is commonly used in many countries, while Antigen test alone is rarely used.

3- RNA (PCR) Test

It is the most accurate and fastest, where the infection can be detected after few days of exposure. But it is more complicated than other test and not available except in specialized laboratories. It is also the most expensive of the 3 types. PCR test can give accurate results after 10 t0 14 days from exposure.

Summary of HIV Tests Main Types:

Which HIV tests should I choose?

As mentioned above, HIV infection cannot be detected in the first few days after exposure. So, when exactly can you be tested depends on the test type available, and how many days since exposure.

Bottom line:

HIV Tests are mainly three types, one detecting the antibodies produced against HIV, another detecting the antigen (surface antigen of the virus) and the third for detecting the virus genome. Which one to choose depends on how many days from exposure to infection. If you were exposed recently then RNA test is the best for you. Otherwise you can undergo for Combo test and HIV antibody test.

Sources:
– https://app.hubspot.com/live-messages/20134706/inbox/
– https://i-base.info/guides/testing/

If you suspect that you may have symptoms,  Helal Medical can help, offering quick, private, and convenient testing options. You may contact us here:  Facebook page.

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